You’re trying your best to keep up with the housework, but you just don’t have enough time. You want to keep the rain gutters clean, so there isn’t a buildup of debris in them—but it’s hard to find the time and energy to get this done. It’s frustrating, right?
That’s why we often recommend our customers get Gutter Guards.
You can keep your gutters protected from clogs and leaks without worrying about cleaning them out every week (or even every month). We know what you’re thinking. Gutter covers cost more than a standard gutter protection system, and they’re not always easy to install. So are gutter guards worth it?
The answer is yes—but only if you take the time to learn about how they work and what benefits they offer before making a decision.
The good news is, you don’t have to do it alone! We’ve compiled some of the most common questions our customers ask when they are considering installing gutter guards, along with answers and resources to help you make an informed decision.
Why Do Gutters Need To Be Protected?
Gutter systems are one of the most important parts of your home. They protect your home from water damage, and they can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. If gutters on your home aren’t protected, they can rust and can break down over time, causing water to leak into your siding and ceilings.
Homeowners often ask why they need to spend money protecting their gutter system when they can just replace it whenever it breaks down anyway. This is a huge mistake!
Neglecting your gutters will result in you paying more money down the road. That’s why it is so important to keep your gutters in good shape—and that means protecting them from damage. One such effective way is installing gutter guards.
How Do Gutter Guards Help Protect Your Home?
Gutter guards can help you keep the gutters clean, and protect them from debris buildup. Gutter guards have small holes, allowing water to pass through while preventing larger items such as leaves, pine needles, and debris from entering the gutter system. This means that the water flows freely, preventing any buildup or clogs inside the gutter.
These are some of the benefits of installing gutter guards:
- Gutter guards cut down on gutter cleaning.
- It prevents water damage to the home.
- It helps keep pests out of gutters.
- Metal gutter guards protect against fire.
- It stops the rotting of the soffit and fascia.
Is There Any Downside To Gutter Guards?
When it comes to gutter guards, there’s a lot of information out there that ranges from good to bad.
But the truth is, some people may run into some problems.
For one thing, gutter guards require maintenance. If you’re using guards and not cleaning them out regularly, or you’re not keeping an eye on them for damage or rot, your gutters could become a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
So while they might keep your gutters free of leaves and other debris during the winter months, they aren’t going to do much good if they’re not properly maintained.
Different Types Of Gutter Guards
There are several styles of gutter guards, each with its own pros and cons. Some are better than others, so it’s important to do your research to find the best one for your needs.
We have discussed some common types of gutter guards below:
PVC
PVC covers are a simple and inexpensive solution for protecting your gutters from leaves, needles, and other debris. They’re also easy to install yourself, which is a big plus when you’re on a budget.
However, it’s important to note that hail or branches may damage PVC gutter covers during severe weather events. Their lifespan is also not as long in extreme climates that experience heavy rains or ice dams.
Mesh Screens
Mesh screens are a simple, low-cost solution for protecting your gutters from larger debris. They’re easy to install and can last for several years with proper maintenance.
The only real disadvantage of mesh screens is that they don’t protect against smaller debris—they’re best for large items like leaves and twigs but will let sand and other small particles through.
Mesh screens can also get damaged by ice dams or snow.
Foam Inserts
Foam inserts are a great option for gutter guards because they block large debris, like leaves and twigs. They are also easy to DIY, which makes them relatively inexpensive.
However, they may disintegrate within a few years and require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them working effectively. They can also cause water to overflow if they are not installed correctly.
Surface Tension Helmets
If you have a moderately sloped roof, then surface tension gutter helmets are an excellent option for protecting your entire gutter system. They are low-maintenance and they can last more than 20 years. They effectively filter debris from the water and make it possible to run water through your gutters even when they are clogged with leaves and other material.
However, if you have a steep roof or one that is not sloped enough, then this gutter helmet will not work well for you. Additionally, they should only be installed by professionals because they require some complicated installation procedures.
What Are Some Best Gutter Guard Manufacturers?
There are many gutter guards manufacturers in the US, and they all offer a wide range of products to suit your needs.
LeafFilter
If you’re looking for gutter guard systems that are easy to install, blend in with your existing gutters, and cost less than $50 per linear foot, LeafFilter Micro-Mesh is the way to go.
This three-piece system is made from a stainless steel screen and PVC frame, which means it’s durable and weather-resistant. The mesh is made from a micro-mesh screen that lets water through while keeping out leaves and other debris.
The best part? It can be sized to fit any gutter system!
All American Gutter Protection
A lot of gutter guards have a limited warranty, but All American Gutter Protection goes above and beyond to ensure that you are getting the best quality product. With their Best Performance Warranty, you can trust that your gutter guards will last for years to come.
The All American Gutter Protection is made from a stainless steel micro-mesh screen over an aluminum body. This blend of materials makes it easy to blend in with your gutter’s profile, so it looks good from every angle!
This gutter guard system’s cost depends on your home’s size.
HomeCraft
Third on our list is HomeCraft Gutter Protection Gutter Guard.
Their raised-diamond micro mesh gutter guards are designed with marine-grade 304 stainless steel that won’t rust or corrode over time. They’re also not visible from the ground, so they won’t detract from the look of your home.
It can be custom-cut to fit any gutter system and costs $4.50-$7.75 per linear foot—so it’s a low-cost investment in keeping your gutters clean!
Raptor
If you’re looking for a DIY option, Raptor Micro-Mesh Gutter Guard is the way to go.
The stainless steel mesh is durable and provides superior water filtration, while its v-bend design makes it easy to install. The kit comes with everything you need to get started: end caps, screws, and silicone sealant. All you have to do is cut the guard down to the right size, then use your drill to screw the pieces in place. It’s as simple as that!
Plus, Raptor guards aren’t visible from the ground when installed correctly.
Amerimax
Amerimax Home Products’ Lock-in Gutter Guard is a steel mesh product that fits onto existing gutters. They are easy to install, and they can be removed if necessary.
The mesh comes in four-, five-, or six-inch widths, so it can fit a variety of gutter sizes. The mesh will bow upwards when installed on four-inch gutters, but three-inch versions are available for those looking for something more discreet.
This product comes in a powder-coated steel color that blends well with most homes’ exteriors. It’s also an affordable option compared to other products on the market: You can purchase 75 feet of this gutter guard for $99.73—that works out to just $1.33 per foot!
Tidy K-Gutter
The Tidy Gutter K-style foam gutter guard is a great option for anyone who wants to protect their gutters from leaves and debris but doesn’t want to see the guard on their house. These gutter guards are available in four-, five-, and six-inch sizes, so you can choose the one that will fit your needs best. The visible part of this gutter guard is made from a bright yellow material that matches most houses’ colors, so it won’t be noticeable from the ground.
What Is The Gutter Guard Installation Cost?
You don’t have to clean your gutters often if you install gutter guards. But it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you make your purchase. The range of prices for gutter guards can be anywhere from $800 to $4300, according to This Old House. The gutter guard cost may depend on the size of your house, and whether you want copper or PVC, gutter guards.
Are You Better Off Buying Gutter Guards Or Hiring A Professional?
As with many household tasks, choosing whether to do it yourself or hire someone else depends on your preference. If you’re not keen on spending money to hire a professional to clean your gutters but dread the task of doing it yourself—a gutter guard might be just the thing to cut down on your labor costs.
But if you’re not sure about whether or not you should install gutter guards, talk to our experts at All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters. We’ll help you decide which type of gutter guard is right for your house, and our team can install them so they’ll last for years. Call us today at (937) 902-2839.